OVERDEVELOPMENT has been blamed for gridlock that brings Wickford and the A132 to a standstill every day.

Traffic backs up through Wickford to Golden Jubilee Way and Runwell Road, delaying commuters passing through the town, as drivers queue for limited parking outside shops in Southend Road and drop children at nearby schools.

Peter Holliman, Ukip councillor for Wickford North, blamed the gridlock on 231 homes built around the town since 2011 and raised fears over the 2,800 planned for the area by 2031.

Mr Holliman said: “All of this is happening right now and that is before the additional 50 houses in Beauchamps Place come on stream plus another 50 due in Bridge Street later this year.

“The worrying thing is, this same scenario is being duplicated down the road in Shotgate. It has the same set of circumstances, a few excellent shops, not enough parking and, too many people wanting to shop.

“I cannot see any easy solution to these problems. Even if we stopped any further development at this point we would still have too many people trying to use too few facilities with no provision or thought given of providing for either.”

The parade of shops at the junction of Southend Road and Hill Avenue, which includes a Tesco Express and takeaway Fish ‘n’ Chick ‘n’, only has 20 parking spaces.

Some drivers queue for a spot while others park on double yellow lines in narrow Hill Avenue, bringing traffic to a standstill.

Despite restrictions parents also use the road to drop children off at Hilltop infant and junior schools and Beauchamps High School.

Basildon Council has given the green light to another 864 homes at various sites around Wickford and the town is earmarked for 2,800 by 2031 in the borough’s emerging local plan.

Chelmsford City Council has earmarked Runwell Road for another 700 homes, with most households likely to rely on shops and other facilities in Wickford.

Mr Holliman said: “With new estates already built and many, many more nearing completion, such as the Martin Grants Beauchamps Place development, consisting of 50 houses, what is the likely impact on the above situation?

“Yes, you’ve guessed it – even more uncontrolled chaos.”

 

COUNCIL PUTS FAITH IN ITS LOCAL MASTERPLAN

 

BASILDON Council’s ruling Conservatives admit Wickford suffers from gridlock and insist a local plan is needed to ensure new housing comes with the necessary infrastructure.

Ukip has rejected the housing masterplan, which sets out roughly where housing will go and what infrastructure improvements will be needed. Dr Richard Moore, Basildon councillor responsible for regeneration and planning, said: “I find councillor Holliman’s point a little bit disingenuous.

“Ukip have taken up a position where they don’t support our local plan. The local plan, if approved, when it goes ahead, will underline and bring with it the infrastructure needed to support additional homes in the borough.

It seems to me Ukip support building anywhere except where they are.”

Eddie Johnson, county councillor responsible for highways maintenance and small scheme delivery, said: “Essex Highways has not been formally advised of any issues with traffic congestion on this junction.

“Currently there are no plans to introduce further traffic calming measures at the Hill Avenue junction. However, residents and councillors can present their concerns and proposals to their local highways panel.”